Situated at the far northern end of Zanzibar on the Nungwi Peninsula, Nungwi is a vibrant coastal village located roughly 35 miles north of Zanzibar Town. About an hour drive from historic Stone Town, this destination shares its southern border with the neighboring villages of Matemwe and Tazari. As the second largest settlement on the island, Nungwi is easily reached by hired vehicle, public bus, or local dala-dala minivans traveling along the main paved road.
Nungwi's picturesque coastline features scenic beaches lined with lush palm, mangrove, and casuarina trees. Ranked among CNN's 100 best beaches in the world in 2014, the main beach area is affectionately nicknamed Jambo Square. The clear coastal waters offer exceptional conditions for both snorkeling and scuba diving. Along the shoreline, visitors can also discover a local marine environment that includes a small village aquarium created specifically to care for sea turtles.
Historically a quiet fishing community and traditional dhow-building center, Nungwi has transformed into Zanzibar's most visited beach destination. West Nungwi features numerous modern resorts, restaurants, lively bars, and retail stores, making it popular for active beachgoers. In contrast, East Nungwi remains noticeably quieter and offers a more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. This combination suits scuba divers, snorkellers, couples, and travelers seeking both energetic resort life and tranquil shores.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dala-dala | Dala-dala number 116 departs Creek Road in Zanzibar Town every half-hour from 5:30 AM to 9 PM (costs about TSh 2,000/=). |
| Public Bus | Route 14 departs Darajani Terminal in Zanzibar Town every 30 minutes between 7 AM and 6 PM. |
| Hired Vehicle / Car | Located about 35 miles (56 km) or an hour drive north of Stone Town via the main tarmac road through Mtoni, Mahonda, Kinyasini, and Kivunge. |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Where to stay
Resorts, towns and areas near the beach — the closer you stay, the easier the early-morning and sunset hours when the light is best and the crowds are thin.
The main tourist area featuring numerous resorts, restaurants, bars, and stores.
A quieter, more tranquil side of the village with a relaxed coastal feel.
04 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- Dala-dala 116 runs from Creek Road to Nungwi every 30 minutes from 5:30 AM to 9 PM for around TSh 2,000/=.
- Public bus route 14 leaves Darajani Terminal every half-hour between 7 AM and 6 PM.
- West Nungwi has the highest concentration of resorts, bars, and shops, while East Nungwi is much quieter.